10 Questions Life Insurance Companies Will Ask About Breast Cancer

1. What was the date of your diagnosis?

Life insurance underwriters (that’s who evaluates risk during the application process) want to know how long ago your breast cancer started. Specifically, they need to know your age when you were initially diagnosed.

2. What was the date of your last treatment?

Underwriters want to know if you have successfully completed treatment. And if so, they will ask how long you have been in remission (the longer, the better).

3. What is the exact name of the type of breast cancer you were diagnosed with?

The term, breast cancer, is used to describe different types of cancer. Breasts contain different types of cells. The exact cancer diagnosis is determined partly by which cells are affected. For example:

Carcinomas are the most common type of breast cancer.

Originate in the epithelial cells of the breast.

Most carcinomas are adenocarcinomas, stemming from ducts or lobules.

Sarcomas are a rare form of breast cancer, accounting for less than 1% of cases.

Begin in the connective tissue of the breast.

Tend to be larger at diagnosis than other types of breast cancer.

Phyllodes are also a rare from of breast cancer, accounting for less than 1% of cases.

10. Do you have any other type of medical condition?

Example Life Insurance Applicants (Breast Cancer Survivors)

For a general idea, let’s look at a few examples of life insurance applicants. Keep in mind, examples are for informational purposes only. Every applicant’s circumstances and application outcomes are unique.

June was diagnosed with breast cancer at 37 years old. She is currently 48 years old.

Diagnosed with Stage 0 (lobular carcinoma in-situ)

Treatment included surgery and chemotherapy

No metastasis

Normal BMI

Non tobacco

No other health conditions

Regular physician check-ups

June was approved for traditional term life insurance at Standard ratings. She pays $32.56/month for 10 years of $250,000 of term life insurance.

Tom was diagnosed with breast cancer at 45 years old. He is currently 56 years old. (Men account for approximately 1% of diagnoses.)

Diagnosed with Stage 0 (ductile carcinoma in-situ)

Treatment included surgery and radiation

No metastasis

Normal BMI

Non tobacco

No other health conditions

Regular physician check-ups

Tom was approved for traditional term life insurance at Standard ratings. He pays $80.04/month for 10 years of $250,000 of term life insurance.

Carla was diagnosed with breast cancer at 32 years old. She is currently 35 years old.

Diagnosed with Stage II

Treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation

Minor lymph node involvement

No secondary organ involvement

Normal BMI

Non tobacco

No other health conditions

Regular physician check-ups

Carla was postponed. She may reapply for life insurance 5 years after her last treatment date. In this case, Carla would reapply at age 39 (her treatment ended at 34). Note – postponements are dependent on the type, stage, and grade of breast cancer. Each carrier has its own postponement guidelines.

Vivian was diagnosed with breast cancer at 24 years old. She is currently 32 years old.

Diagnosed with Stage III

Treatment included surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation

Major lymph node involvement

No secondary organ involvement

Currently taking Zoloft for depression

Currently undergoing counseling for alcoholism

Has not seen a physician in 5 years

Tobacco user

Vivian received a Decline for traditional term life insurance. Even though she is younger than the other life insurance applicants, her tobacco use, history of depression and alcoholism, and lack of following up with her physician prevent life insurance carriers from taking on the risk.

Bottom line: life insurance purchases happen all the time after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Generally speaking, the following are favorable to a life insurance application. Keep in mind, these are not requirements:

Regular check-ups with your physician

Remission of 10+ years

Early stage breast cancer

Limited lymph node involvement

Successfully completed treatment

One more thing: even if you do not qualify for traditional life insurance, there are other options. For example, our agents can review Graded Benefit or Guaranteed Issue life insurance if your breast cancer was advanced (or you have additional serious health conditions).

Prepare For Your Life Insurance Application

In order to secure the best health class you qualify for, it’s important to be prepared for the application process.

How To Apply

Each life insurance carrier has their own underwriting policies. You’ll want to collaborate with an independent life insurance agent who has plenty of experience in finding policies for breast cancer survivors.

That way, you’ll receive multiple quotes from multiple life insurance companies to receive the best rate you qualify for. Even if you’ve been declined with one company for breast cancer, it’s possible to be approved with another.